Revenue down for Harrisville Harbor

September 9, 2013

HARRISVILLE - Gas and diesel fuel sales were down dramatically from a year ago at the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge, officials said Monday.

Although expenses are under control, revenue was down $10,000, said Jeannette Schultz, recording secretary and bookkeeper for the Harrisville Harbor Commission.

"We've tightened our belts so much," she said. "We are keeping our expenses well under control."

Schultz said more boat slips were rented out this year, compared to previous years.

"That helped offset it, but I think the boaters can't afford to go out," Schultz said. "Even the seasonal boaters are staying at the dock."

A cool spring also cut into revenues, so harbor officials are hoping good weather in September will give them a chance to catch up.

"If it continues to be nice, some of the boats will conceivably stay," she said. "Other boats will head south. They may come in and fuel up, but September is pretty much it."

Schultz said like other seasonal businesses the harbor needs enough cash on hand to cover winter time expenses until it reopens in May.

Harbor Master Steve Baksis, who was reached at home, declined an opportunity to comment Monday.

Harbor commission Chairman Neal Gehring said Baksis and other officials will hold a special meeting Oct. 3 to discuss more ways to increase revenues. He said Baksis wanted to talk about a marketing effort that would get boaters at other harbors to consider Harrisville as a fuel stop when cruising the Great Lakes.